Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:50 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the contrasts between Balvenie 12 and Glenfarclas 12 in this detailed comparison, and choose your next Single Malt Scotch!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Balvenie is a smoother whisky
- Balvenie 12 DoubleWood: Offers exceptional smoothness and an enjoyable sipping experience at $74.
- Glenfarclas 12: Provides a traditional whisky taste with a bit of bite, priced at $60 for those who prefer a more classic profile.
Verdict: Balvenie 12 DoubleWood stands out for those seeking a smoother, more approachable whisky, though Glenfarclas 12 offers good value for its traditional and slightly bolder flavor profile, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 12-Year Whisky Rankings
Balvenie 12 DoubleWood: Smooth Speyside with Sherry Elegance
- Nose: Honey, toffee, vanilla, pear
- Palate: Caramel, apple, citrus
- Finish: Spicy oak, roasted nuts
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Aberlour 12
The Balvenie 12 DoubleWood opens with an alluring aroma of ripe fruit, honey, sherry, and vanilla. The pleasant texture on the palate leads to a well-rounded flavor profile featuring mixed nuts, citrus peel, vanilla, cinnamon, and hints of sherry.
Satisfying Finish: The finish is almost long, leaving behind a touch of oak spice and lingering vanilla notes.
Smooth and Approachable: This single malt is known for its super smooth and approachable character. The enjoyable taste and satisfying finish offer a pleasant balance between sweetness and spice.
More Than Just Easy Drinking: While not the most complex whisky, the smoothness and subtle sweetness make it ideal for savoring neat. Adding a touch of water can further enhance the oak character and sweetness for those who prefer a richer experience.
Key Points:
- Inviting aroma of ripe fruit, honey, sherry, and vanilla.
- Pleasant texture and well-rounded flavor profile.
- Balanced taste with notes of mixed nuts, citrus peel, vanilla, cinnamon, and sherry.
- Almost long finish with oak spice and vanilla.
- Super smooth and approachable with a satisfying balance.
Additional details:
- Aged 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels, then nine months in Oloroso sherry butts.
- Awarded Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Crafted by Malt Master David Stewart MBE, a pioneer of whisky aging in wine barrels.
- Owned by William Grant & Sons, a Speyside distillery sharing ownership with Glenfiddich and Monkey Shoulder.
Glenfarclas 12: A Classic Speyside with Sherry Charm
- Nose: Sherry, honey, toasted barley
- Palate: Banana bread, melted butter, vanilla, caramel, spice
- Finish: Lemon, oak spice, citrus zest
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Macallan 12
Glenfarclas 12 offers a distinctive aroma of sherry, complemented by subtle hints of honey, toasted barley, and a touch of alcohol. The initial impression is one of richness, thanks to its thick and velvety texture on the palate.
Traditional Flavors: The taste profile evokes banana bread, melted butter, vanilla, and caramel, balanced by a gentle oak spice that leaves a slightly bittersweet finish. The finish, while not lengthy, provides a lingering presence of oak spice, lemon, and citrus zest, with a subtle warming sensation. Adding a touch of water enhances the caramel notes.
Solid Speyside Choice: Glenfarclas 12 embodies a traditional Speyside whisky character: not overly sweet or complex, light on the palate, and finishing with a hint of warmth. While not necessarily “thrilling,” it delivers a good, above-average quality experience.
Key Points:
- Distinctive sherry aroma with hints of honey, barley, and light alcohol.
- Thick and velvety texture for a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Traditional flavor profile of banana bread, butter, vanilla, caramel, and oak spice.
- Moderate finish with oak, lemon, and citrus zest notes, leaving a subtle warmth.
- Classic Speyside expression: not overly sweet, light on the palate, and slightly warming.
Additional details:
- Aged for 12 years in Oloroso sherry casks.
- Awarded ‘Best Sherried Whisky’ in 2006.
- Natural color, no artificial coloring added.
- Uses fire-direct distillation, a unique method in the industry.
- Houses the tallest stills in Speyside.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Balvenie 12 DoubleWood | $74 |
| Glenfarclas 12 | $60 |